What is Osteoarthritis

Our cartilage that surrounds the joints have a poor blood and nerve supply. This means cartilage does not have a nutrition or waste removal service. It relies on the movement of water in and out to feed it and keep it clean.

Water is constantly drawn into the cartilage by molecules within, and the water is squeezed out by the forces produced from loading.

If there is a break down in this process of water absorption and removal problems start. This is mostly due to not enough water being squeeze out causing a build up of waste products and the cartilage environment becomes toxic. This leads to the degeneration of cartilage and Osteoarthritis. This means exercising and loading the joints is essential in management of Osteoarthritis. A bit like a sponge, it collects water but needs squeezing to remove it.

North Devon and Cornwall Physio can help to provide exercises to assist in loading and strengthening the joints helping to manage and reduce pain and improving your ability to manage Osteoarthritis. We cover North Devon and Cornwall and we are a mobile service meaning we come to you.

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